Curcuma in pregnancy: benefits and harms

Curcuma is the brightest oriental spice. It has long occupied the pedestal of leadership among all known spices. Its golden color combined with a unique flavor turn everyday food into a festive dish. In addition to its impressive appearance and taste, turmeric has a lot of health benefits. Therefore, even pregnant women are interested in this product. But due to the many restrictions at this crucial time, expectant mothers doubt the safety of the golden spice. After all, physicians unanimously assure that any spice during pregnancy is dangerous to use, because they increase the risk of miscarriage and premature birth.

Let's try to understand how turmeric looks like on the background of these restrictions, in what form and when it is possible to use the spice for expectant mothers, separately dwell on the contraindications and side effects of this popular spice.

Can turmeric during pregnancy

Immediately we want to note that in recent years, the attitude of doctors to spices has changed for the better. As for turmeric, many items have disappeared from the list of contraindications. The reason for these changes is the results of recent clinical trials. So, the American researchers after a whole series of tests have established that the golden spice, that is, turmeric, is very useful for women in the pregnancy. If used rationally, it is quite worthy to become a basic product of the diet of the future mother.

But it is dangerous to get carried away even with such a useful spice during pregnancy, because the composition contains substances that stimulate the contractility of the uterus. In other words, if a little too much golden spice, it can lead to miscarriage. It is for this reason, domestic doctors are very wary of the use of any spices during gestation.

The only option when doctors can make concessions in this matter is a cold and respiratory infections in the future mother. After all, turmeric has a lot of useful properties, including it shows its high efficiency in the fight against viruses and bacteria. Therefore, in a period when any medications are under strict prohibition, this natural antibiotic will help the pregnant woman to cope with the disease and strengthen the immune forces of the body. Now let's understand when golden turmeric is desirable in the diet, and when it is better to give it up.

In the 1st trimester.

This is the most difficult stage of gestation. During the first three months of pregnancy, the mother's body devotes all its resources to supporting the newly born life. Against the backdrop of hormonal restructuring, the expectant mother experiences symptoms of toxicosis. Nausea and frequent vomiting put considerable pressure on pelvic organs. Therefore, the risk of spontaneous abortion is very high during the early stages. Given that all spices only increase blood flow, in the first three months after conception they should not be included in the diet. Decent and safer replacements for spicy foods are not difficult to find. If you neglect this rule, then turmeric can be the culprit of the following unpleasant consequences:

1. Increase the production of bile and gastric juice, causing additional digestive discomfort.
2. Cause skin allergies in the form of hives.
3. Increase irritability of the expectant mother.
4. In the case of recurrent form of thrush, worsen the condition.

As we can see, there are many risks for the expectant mother and the fetus. But the most unpleasant thing is that even with a strong desire to avoid the presence of turmeric in the diet is very difficult. The fact is that as a natural dye, the spice is present in such products:

• yogurts;
• cookies;
• cheeses:
• sauces;
• salad dressings;
• chips and snacks.

The spice is often added to foods to improve their marketability because turmeric has antioxidant properties. These points are important to consider when choosing foods. In the early stages of pregnancy, you should avoid the use of convenience foods, any store-bought sauces and snacks. In addition, you should carefully study the composition of even innocuous-looking products.

In the 2nd trimester

In the normal course of pregnancy, small portions of golden spice will be beneficial for the expectant mother. But to enrich the diet with the spice additive is possible only with the permission of a doctor, and you will have to strictly observe all the rules and regulations of use. After all, behind the aroma and amazing taste of the spice is hidden a lot of risks for the developing fetus, which can not yet protect itself. Therefore, the slightest deterioration of health should serve as a signal for the immediate withdrawal of turmeric.

To reduce the risk in the second trimester, experts advise not to use the golden spice in pure form. It is best to add it to enhance the flavor in other dishes. Licorice goes well with kefir and yogurt, it can be added to tea and milk. But such indulgence is not possible before the fourth month of pregnancy. If you follow these simple rules, side effects are extremely rare, although you should always be aware of their risk.

In the 3rd trimester.

Medics do not deny the benefits of turmeric for pregnant women in the late term. First, the spicy product helps to cope with constipation, which becomes a major problem before childbirth. In the last trimester the risk of gestational diabetes increases. It is known that turmeric is a good natural regulator of glucose and cholesterol levels. Turmeric also shows itself as a moderate diuretic, which is promising for combating edema.

But for all the great benefits of the spicy product, there is a very high risk of premature birth. Therefore, during this period is allowed not constant, but occasional use of turmeric in the form of an additive to main dishes: vegetables, meat, fish. Permissible portion in late pregnancy can not exceed 2-3 grams of Oriental spice powder. This is about the tip of a teaspoon.

Warning: during pregnancy, many women diligently pile on foods that they think are good for the baby. The composition of turmeric is unique, it concentrates many vitamins and minerals. But only in small doses can spice really be useful for the expectant mother and the developing fetus.

This is interesting: American scientists conducted experiments involving laboratory animals. Pregnant females were added to the diet of turmeric. The results showed that the spice had no teratogenic and embryotoxic effects on the fetus. The females produced healthy offspring without abnormalities and developmental defects.

How to use turmeric correctly

We have already found out that despite its high culinary characteristics, turmeric can cause significant harm to the pregnant woman and the future child. Therefore, the use of the spice, although allowed, but only in very limited quantities. The spice should be added to improve the taste:

1. In meat and fish dishes. Very well turmeric shades the taste of chicken meat, beef, rabbit meat. These dietary meats are desirable during pregnancy. The golden spice not only adds a pleasant, slightly spicy taste, but also improves digestion and normalizes liver function.
2. Kefir. A pinch of ground turmeric will give the fermented milk drink a pleasant golden hue. If you drink such kefir in the evening after dinner, will adjust the process of purification of the intestines.
3. Milk with turmeric is not accidentally called a golden drink. Such a cocktail is good for the immune system, calms the nervous system and helps to establish sleep. Warm milk with spice is recommended to take a few weeks before the planned delivery.

In addition, turmeric can be flavored with a vegetable salad, add it to a light sauce or in the dough for baking homemade cakes.

Use in cosmetology

Present value turmeric as an ingredient for cosmetic procedures. During pregnancy, the condition of the nails and hair deteriorates sharply, the skin on the face loses its freshness and becomes dry. Using a natural spicy product in home cosmetology, mom-to-be will be able to maintain the appearance of attractiveness. For example, lotions with turmeric can help get rid of age spots and acne. The spice can be added to masks to strengthen hair, and after childbirth with its help get rid of unpleasant stretch marks on the abdomen and hips.

How much you can eat per day.

If pregnancy proceeds without complications and there are no contraindications, then the future mother in the second trimester can consume it for 5 g per day. This portion is enough to saturate the body with nutrients. At later terms, a single dose should not exceed 2-3 g. In this case, at the end of gestation spice recommended to use no more than 2-3 times a week.

If you want to include the spice in cosmetics must also be based on reasonably permissible rates, because the product when applied externally can cause a strong allergic reaction.

Can I Eat a Spice at Night and on an empty stomach?

It is not recommended to consume any spices in pure form on an empty stomach, even for healthy people. Of course, there are different weight loss diets, when it is allowed to consume the spicy product on an empty stomach. But for obvious reasons, such experiments should not be carried out during pregnancy. Ideally, leave room for dishes flavored with turmeric in the evening menu.

The golden spice has a sedative effect. After the use of food seasoned it disappears nervousness and irritation. For example, the famous golden milk is recommended to drink to eliminate insomnia before a night's rest.

The benefits of turmeric in pregnancy

Most spices have a rich composition. But turmeric surpasses all of its food-group companions in this regard. Its ability to heal inflammatory processes has been widely used since ancient times. This is why the spice is the subject of constant study by modern scientists. Not so long ago, American researchers at the University of Los Angeles, located in California, scientifically proved that spice stimulates monocytes. These special cells in the process of natural phagocytosis absorb beta-amyloid - a product of improper metabolism, which provokes the development of Alzheimer's disease. This discovery was proof of a long-standing assumption by scientists that the golden spice blocks degradation processes in brain tissue. The composition of turmeric is several dozen vital components for humans. Let's dwell on this point in detail.

Turmeric contains almost all known vitamins:

1. Thiamine (B1) regulates energy expenditure and strengthens the nervous system.
2. Choline, better known as vitamin B4, is a major contributor to fat metabolism, which stimulates brain activity.
3. Riboflavin (B2) regulates carbon metabolism and the process of hematopoiesis.
4. Pantothenic acid (B5) is a very important organic compound responsible for fat and energy metabolism.
5. Folic acid (B9) supports the course of pregnancy at all stages, as well as forming the immune system.
6. Pyridoxine (B6) also has a beneficial effect on the nervous system, promotes the absorption of lipids, stimulates regenerative processes.
7. Ascorbic acid is famous for its antiviral activity, which is good for the overall condition of the immune system.
8. Tocopherol (E) supports normal hormonal background in the body of a pregnant woman, provides clearance of toxic products.
9. Nicotinic acid (PP) improves blood circulation and regulates metabolic processes.
10. Vitamin K (phylloquinone) is responsible for blood clotting.

In addition to such a rich set of vitamin components, turmeric contains many minerals:

1. Calcium is involved in the formation of the fetal bone skeleton.
2. Potassium is found in the spice in huge quantities. This element is known to be good for the heart and blood vessels.
3. Phosphorus is also the main building material of bone tissues and teeth.
4. Iron is involved in the transportation of oxygen to the tissues. Muscle tissue function and hemoglobin depend on the level of this substance.
5. Copper promotes the conversion of iron to hemoglobin, and is involved in the synthesis of collagen and elastin, that is, prevents the aging process.
6. Selenium has anticarcinogenic activity.

This is not a complete list of all the elements that can be found in the gold powder. But the main component of the composition is a special substance, curcumin. It has been proven that not only do they inhibit the growth of foreign cells, but they are also able to fight the already developing tumor.

The oriental spice is rich in essential oils and contains fiber. The energy content of a hundred grams of spice in ground form is 312 kcal. This figure may seem impressive, but it is not customary to eat spices by the spoonful. Therefore, the permissible amount of spice powder, which can afford a woman in a situation, will not negatively affect her figure.

Warning: Abuse of turmeric during pregnancy can cause a woman severe heartburn and even digestive upset.

Useful properties of turmeric during pregnancy
Of course, the greatest value of the spicy product is as a natural antibiotic. The ability of the spice to destroy pathogenic microflora will help in this difficult period to effectively fight various infections. In addition, the spice in minimal doses:

• relieves painful sensations;
• improves digestion;
• normalizes cholesterol levels;
• promotes rapid healing of wounds;
• Inhibits the development of inflammatory processes;
• Stabilizes blood sugar levels, which helps prevent gestational diabetes;
• cleanses the liver;
• activates all metabolic processes;
• increases intestinal peristalsis.

It is also worth adding that with the competent use of spice as a component for home care products, the expectant mother will be able to maintain the external attractiveness without risk to the fetus and her own health, even in such a difficult time for her.

This is interesting: there is evidence of another ability of turmeric: when planning a pregnancy, it is recommended to be consumed by both partners. Such an addition to the menu increases the chances of successful conception.

Can turmeric harm the future mother

The detailed description of the merits of the oriental spice inspires a certain optimism. But at the same time, we should not forget that during pregnancy, a woman is responsible not only for herself, but also for the developing child. The slightest eating disorder can lead, without exaggeration, to disastrous consequences. Absolute contraindications to the inclusion of turmeric in a nutritional diet are the following conditions:

• Individual intolerance to the spice;
• Increased muscle tone of the uterus;
• Chronic gastritis and peptic ulcer disease in pregnant women;
• toxicosis (spice will only worsen the already critical condition);
• Threat of bleeding in the late term;
• hemorrhoids;
• susceptibility to allergic manifestations;
• pancreatitis;
• gestosis of pregnant women;
• cholestatic jaundice.

Very carefully, turmeric should be used by women who often have cystitis. If you exceed the allowable norms, turmeric can cause serious digestive disorders and worsen liver function.

In addition, the strong anti-inflammatory activity of the golden spice makes it impossible to use it simultaneously with some medicines. For example, it is strictly forbidden to combine turmeric with antibiotics. Of course, the main threat is premature labor in the late term and spontaneous miscarriage in the early stages of pregnancy.

Special Note: The pronounced specific aroma of the spicy product can provoke the development of allergies even in women who did not suffer from such a pathology before pregnancy.

When to avoid turmeric

There are situations when eating turmeric is allowed with some restrictions. Usually, the doctor supervising the expectant mother evaluates all the risks, as well as the benefits that the body of the pregnant woman can get from the use of the spice.

In the early term, as already mentioned, the use of spices is out of the question at all. But for some women, toxicosis lingers for a long time. Therefore, if symptoms are pronounced (salivation, heartburn, belching), it is worth reducing the portion of spice to a few grams or refusing to use it at all.

Women who have previously had miscarriages, too, should not be fond of spices. If the uterus is periodically toned, such a supplement can be dangerous for the fetus.

In principle, it is not difficult to remember these rules. Of course, turmeric is a very useful product, but if there is even the slightest risk of losing the baby, it is better to refuse to use the spice at all. Although it is difficult to find a decent replacement for the golden spice, you can find an alternative if you want.

So here are a few helpful tips

To minimize the dangers, pregnant women should remember some simple recommendations:

1. Introduce the spicy product into the diet only after the approval of the gynecologist.
2. It is necessary to start with microscopic portions, even if the previous experience of using the spice did not cause allergies.
3. At the slightest change in well-being immediately stop seasoning food with turmeric.
4. During pregnancy, it is inadmissible to use spices in their pure form. Turmeric is a universal spice, so it can be added to a variety of dishes.
5. If your doctor permits, you can mix turmeric with other spices. But such variations are allowed only from the second trimester with a normal course of pregnancy.

Recipes with turmeric

And finally, a few useful recipes involving the golden spice. These simple uses of turmeric will not harm if used correctly, but the benefits will be enormous.

Golden paste

Folk medicine has a huge arsenal of effective remedies that combine not only healing properties, but also great gastronomic characteristics. The most striking example is the golden paste made from turmeric powder. It is a basic product from which you can subsequently get healthy drinks. Golden pasta according to the classic recipe is easy to prepare in the home kitchen. For this you will need:

• turmeric powder - 2 tbsp;
• water - 1 tbsp;
• Honey (if no contraindications) - to taste.

Preparation process:

1. Dilute the spice with the specified amount of water.
2. The resulting mixture to put on the fire, simmer for 5-7 minutes. Should get a thick viscous mass. To improve the taste you can add honey to the still warm mixture.
3. Ready gold paste put into a jar with an airtight lid, and then send for storage in the refrigerator. In this form, the product can be stored for a month.

As necessary, you can take from the jar the necessary amount of paste.

Turmeric paste is the basis for the preparation of the famous healing drink - golden milk.

The magic cocktail is best drunk before going to bed, about an hour. It is necessary to add only 1 tsp. of the paste to the heated milk, stir the drink and immediately drink it.

Healing properties of the golden drink:

• Relieves bronchitis, laryngitis and other colds;
• improves mood;
• relieves painful sensations;
• Charges the body with a healthy energy;
• Relieves the effects of stress;
• stimulates the gastrointestinal organs.

Curcuma helps to cope with inflammation of the joints, with its help you can control weight.

Recipe for cleansing the body

An expectant mother can well cleanse the body of toxins with the use of this versatile spice. To do this, you need 1/2 tsp. spice in ground form (which corresponds to the permissible rate) to stir in a glass of warm water or milk. You can add the spice to kefir. Curcuma works well paired with honey. According to Ayuverda teachings, these two products are in a kindred relationship. Having prepared the healing drink, it remains to drink it completely. A qualitative cleansing of the body is ensured.

For sore throat

It is easy to relieve a fart if you mix 1/2 tsp. of salt and turmeric in a glass of warm water. Prepared solution should immediately rinse your throat.

A mixture of honey (1 tsp.) with turmeric powder (1 tsp.) will help with pharyngitis. The sweet and spicy mass should be sucked into the mouth for 3-5 minutes. By the way, this method will help to relieve inflammation of the gums, which often occurs during pregnancy.

Lovers of this oriental spice often add it to ordinary tea, which is not prohibited to do to any woman in the position.

In general, turmeric is a universal product by nature. It practically does not conflict with the foods that appear on the table of a pregnant woman. Competently using the possibilities of this gift of nature, the future mother will be able to maintain her health and provide the most comfortable conditions for the developing baby. But the desire to improve the quality of her diet must comply with safety standards. This means that you should use the oriental spice only at the permitted time and in permissible quantities. We hope that the detailed description of turmeric's abilities and the recommendations given here will help you make good use of this valuable product.